Drum major suspended from pipe band for waving at Barack in parade
Mon, Jan 26, 2009
PD’s front page reports today that Cleveland Firefighter Memorial Pipes and Drums Band drum major John Coleman was suspended by the band leader, Mike Engle, for 6 months for waving and saluting toward the reviewing stand during the inaugural parade. (Link to video here, as it appears embedding isn’t permitted…um, why?)
Needless to say, Engle’s response to Coleman’s wave is utter bullshit. My first reaction, as would be anyone’s, was that Engle must be a Republican. I haven’t found any donations from Engle to Republicans, and I haven’t been able to find his voter registration. I tried to reach Engle, but he’s on a 10 day cruise, so I spoke to a senior member of the band on the phone.
I’m told by this senior member of the band that the suspension was the decision of Engle alone – there was no vote. I’m also told the inaugural parade committee issued “orders” that no “honors” were to be given from the parade route, which I guess includes a wave and salute from the drum major.
Let’s assume Coleman’s wave and salute was an “honor”. I would bet my last Irish pint of Guiness that several thousand people in the parade gave an “honor” of this kind toward the president. Why the 6 month suspension? Is the Cleveland Firefighter Pipes and Drums Band so holy and pure that Mike Engle needs to be the only asshole on the planet to impose a 6 month suspension on his own drum major?
Lighten up, Mikey. You’re being a big fat jerk. Enjoy your cruise.
Tags: inaugural parade, mike engle
January 26th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
It had nothing to do with the salute it was absolutly honorable its what he did that was uncceptable ask him he hopefully will tell you the truth of what he did. the band was given the right to be there for there professionalism however everyone knew what they had to do and one person decided to do something inappropriate so he was punished for it. With Mike being the lerader of the band he was faced with this task and handled it professionally I’m proud to say I belong to the Cleveland Memorial Pipes and Drums
January 26th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
“what he did?” if the salute was so honorable, why the suspension? what else did he “do”? is it the wave?
January 26th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I think Mr. Coleman should extend his two seconds of fame and do the talk-show circuit.
Seriously. WTF did he do wrong? I thought it was pretty cool.
January 26th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I played the pipes at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in 2007. President Bush was there. We were told to keep our eyes front. Guess what? Everyone did, no winks, no waves and no one got in trouble. Because we followed directions.
January 26th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
I played the pipes at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in 2007. It was held at the National Fire Academy. President Bush was there. We were told, per protocol, to keep our eyes front. Guess what? Everyone did, no winks, no waves and no one got in trouble. BOO HOO Mr Coleman. Take your punishment like a man.
January 26th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
to the pipers in the band…umm…..nothing you write here explains a 6 month suspension. nothing. people get less time for domestic violence convictions. ball players get less time for drug suspensions.
6 months? for waving at the president?
is there a bylaw that lays out such a harsh penalty? or was this an arbitrary amount of time just picked out of the air?
January 26th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
tim, you obviously don’t get it. the solution to all america’s problems is more regimentation. keep those eyes front!
January 27th, 2009 at 10:30 am
I can relate! Our pipe band has performed in similar events and is located close to the band in Cleveland. We are provided with very specific instructions and are expected to come through from the staff directing the parade. We have in the past inveited the Cleveland band to “massed band events” and asked not to include the drum major from that band. He cant event start nor stop tune at the correct tempo nor does he know all of the signals or commands for traditional events. There is alot more to this for that band than just this parade situation. I now for a fact he has been under probation for other acts under similar forms of conduct or not knowing his “job in the band”.
January 27th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Ok lets take a breath here. The guy is in a pipe band marching in a pardae. He’s not in the army fighting terrorists hes in a pipe band !! because of this he’s been suspended ??? where are our priorities??? again focus on the situation it’s a band, put together to entertain the public not fight wars.
January 27th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
It’s true. To provide a show. Again this was not a ST.Patricks day event. After talking to some of the band. The band got off the bus at the Pentagon and was assigned a representative from the military. At this point they (the band) were told the specifics and formalities in person as they were prior to the trip in writing from this military panel. If the parade is run by the military and they ask you to refrain from certain conduct…Why can 35 out of the 36 or whatever number of members went.. could obey?
January 27th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Such a stink over a punishment. This wasn’t the Mayberry Home Days parade. Republican or democrat, this was the parade for the president of our country, and The United States Military Invited them to participate with a couple of “Rules” to follow and somebody broke one. When my 2 year old “breaks a rule” she gets punished and then she apologizes!! He simply “BROKE A RULE!” Even my daughter know’s not to whine about it.
January 27th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Why is the media so interested in this story? The band is a private organization, and has the right to hand down whatever punishment they deem necessary. Based upon another post, it seems that this is not the only infraction by the drum major, just the latest and the biggest. Additionally, winking at the President of the United States is not an “honor”, it’s disrespectul and obnoxious. Mr. Coleman said that he acknowledged the President and waved, but then he WINKED at him. What the hell was that all about? Calling Mike Engle an asshole for doing what he thought was necessary is really ridiculous. Neither he nor any of the band members should have to answer to anyone for the decision that was made – posting blogs like this only serves to detract from the experience the band had in playing at the Inaugural Parade. Mr. Coleman was well aware of his actions and is responsible for ruining his own experience, but should not be tarnishing the reputation of the band because he acted inappropriately and in direct violation of the rules set forth by the military.
January 28th, 2009 at 1:05 am
I may be the only *real* Scot (born in Dundee) posting here, but here goes… The uptight people in this band who would humiliate poor Mr. Coleman like this are embarrassing. It’s this sort of self-important nonsense that makes me–and a lot of other Scots resident in this country–avoid “Scottish”-American stuff like the plague. Please remember when you act like pompous fools (and, btw, fools who can’t spell) that you are wearing somebody else’s national costume while you do it. Scotland has a great tradition of its people having a sense of humor and self-mockery. I encourage you to check it out.
January 28th, 2009 at 8:47 am
I watched the parade and it was great. The President was having fun and what Mr. Coleman did was not out of bounds. The President waved at many groups and many waved back. As a nation we were celebrating our 44th peaceful change of leadership and it was at the point of day where it was time for the fun to begin. The Cleveland band was very impressive and have a lot to be proud of, however, apparently the director need to get a life.
January 28th, 2009 at 9:58 am
This pipe band should be ashamed of itself and immediately disband. Having rules of conduct is one thing, but they take themselves way too seriously. They need to get some perspective and realize they are not creating good will, but as Susan says “acting like pompous fool.” You are not the Marine Corp going into battle for crying out loud. You are a pipe band!
January 28th, 2009 at 10:46 am
The website for the band has since removed their email and phone number from their “contact us” page in an attempt to prevent them from facing the public outcry, you have to get a cached page to view it. Pathetic!
January 28th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Any true Scot would be ashamed at this suspension. Scots have a sense of humour and bands are about creating good will. This fool, Mike needs to take a look in the mirror. Six months for acknowledging our President. The truth is that Mike is the one who ran. Took down the website and left town. Then people are putting rumours on here trying to disgrace him. All I see is Mr. Coleman standing up and a bunch of cowards taking shots at him after closing down their phones and website.
January 28th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
What’s the big deal here. I’m sick of protocol crap that our country dishes out. Then lets individuals like Madoff walk around free awaiting trial. Madoff probably won’t even get six months. Following orders are okay for some things, but sometimes orders are just hooey. Talk about making mountains out of mole hills, do we Americans have nothing better to worry about. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
January 28th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Even here in the Netherlands Coleman’s punishment is a breaking news. Why? It is thought ridiculous and unhuman.
A warning, perhaps (!!!) yes, it would have been much better.
It wasn’t a military band. That makes the difference.
One question to you Americans: didn’t it give you a special feeling, watching this warmth that the world is needing??
January 28th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Considering the members story I was told (I am member of another band)…I understand more about it and would agree with the bands act. Many bands around the area have heard the details and also contacted the bad with support according to the rules provided by the military rep. The band was assigned representaion by the military. The military rep addressed the band on the bus at the pentagon and explained the rules clear. This is a Military parade held for the president as provided by the military rep. The conduct for the parade was made clear by the military to the entire band at that point. The band was told by the managers that if anyone does not stick to the rules just explained… they will face suspension. Its sound to me that he broke rules and faced punishment that was clearly explained prior to the start of the parade. The same issues time and time again. My band manager said if thats the case he would do the same thing. The heads up was givin prior to start..35 out of the 36 followed orders…and they are orders when givin by the military(I know non military have a hard time with that)…and one ended up under suspension as explained prior to the parade. I know John and he is a great guy. I know my band would not allow him to run a massed band event if it came down to it. I think that would speak for itself…If he has 15-17 yrs doing this..One would think he would know all the formalities of running such events..but as my manager said..he dosent. Things have happened like this in the past with many bands…it just dosent hit the papers.
January 28th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Wow………. People REALLY need to get a life.
This guy was excited, the President waved, and he acknowledged (I would assume by the warmth of the human instinct)
He is not in the military….not conditioned to military behavior….and he is simply in a band. A FREAKING BAND!
I would assume the other 35 WERE PLAYING INSTRUMNETS and their hands were busy! So please stop with the 35 out of 36 argument. (Very weak)
Folks, please turn off American Idol, stop reading the tabloid rags for your news, stop surfing the TMZ website, and WAKE UP!!!!!
People are so worried about what EVERYBODY else is doing…..but ask yourself this” WHAT ARE YOU DOING? to make this country a better place?
STOP FOLLOWING and START LEADING!!!!
January 29th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
God Bless you John Coleman. You and your band looked lovely and it made me proud to watch you! I’m sorry for your suspension…. If it was a rule you broke, then it was a silly one. It’s not like you stopped and blew the ole boy a kiss…you’ll be missed I’m sure. Maybe we should start next with condeming some of the skimpy outfits worn by other band majorettes….after all, it seems like we have nothing better to do…The parade was great and it was impressive to see that the Pres and his wife stayed to the VERY end to watch each and every entry! Now, lets get on with the business of saving our country from itself.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Check out this website. I think this is a great idea and a great way to show support. I just ordered mine. Way to go Mr.Coleman.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
the website is boothepipeband.com